Let's start this month with a review of some of this summer's sleepers.

First of all, hello, is there a primary race for governor or not? Actually, there are three gentlemen running in the Democratic primary for the top spot on the November ballot. It sure has been quiet since the Democrats' big party last June in Worcester. Keep an eye open for governor candidates. It seems that just like our plovers, they need to be granted a protected species status as they are so hard to find.

The second sleeper actually has sent most of us much deeper into slumber than the first. Do you know how many Democratic candidates are running for lieutenant governor on the primary ballot in September? I'll give you a hint. The women outnumber the men in this race. One candidate is actually from here on Cape Cod. They are all worth a look if you can find any information on them.

Speaking of candidates from Cape Cod, there is another from our peninsula running statewide. This guy is running as an independent and he is definitely not a sleeper. He has already done a good job of getting out there and mixing it up with the Democratic candidates for governor. He will help make the final race in November much more interesting. He is worth a look also.

During the last election season one of our local state senators had to endure a nasty contest brought on by a lady doctor with an MBA, a lousy message and very bad hair. I'm sorry, but I just can't help myself. Just like prior to the last election, no one has seen hide nor hair of her since shortly after her defeat in November of 2004. This year there are two candidates competing for the opportunity to represent the GOP in the race against our senator. That primary looks like a Davy versus Goliath type of contest. The Davy in this race is also no sleeper. However, it will take much more than waving at traffic to win this primary. Finally let's hope that the Republican campaign for senate is more respectable this time around.

There is one sleepy race that is not even on the ballot this year. The race for that office only happens once every six years. That race is race for the office of sheriff. The position of sheriff is one position that our state leaders should consider changing from elected to appointed. This position requires organizational management knowledge and the special technical skills required to manage a detention center for criminals in our modern society. Given the complexity of the position we need the best house of correction administrators that our money can buy. Electing individuals to management positions doesn't always get us the best managers. Unfortunately for those of us on the Cape, our county always seems ready to repeatedly prove that point.

Finally, there is one sleeping giant that woke up this summer. The five fire districts in Barnstable have resurrected their alliance. For several years, this group of political leaders has not been active. Recently the town council used a committee of citizens to perform a review of the districts. The council's review committee has issued a report and made recommendations. A committee member who is also an elected district leader has issued a minority report. The districts know that the best defense is a good offense and these district folks are pros at playing political hardball. No matter where you fall in on the districts debate, you can expect this issue will not be sleeping this summer.